Global Understanding Research Initiative

Photos of the We the People display in downtown Cuyahoga Falls

Kent State University is merging research with global connections in the Global Understanding Research Initiative (GURI). The recently displayed “We the People” and the upcoming “Import/Export” exhibition provide cultural kaleidoscopes with local and international reflectors.

High school students from Portage County and surrounding areas hold Chinese hand fans during a past STARTALK Summer Foreign Language Camp at Kent State.

While the daily news is full of tumultuous conversations about Russia and China, Kent State University has been helping some area high school students learn to converse in Russian and Chinese to facilitate greater global understanding and a less contentious tomorrow.

Division of Research & Economic Development
Kent State's "We the People" Exhibition on Display near the Esplanade Arch in May 2019

Kent State University is pleased and proud to announce the return of “We the People,” a photography exhibition that shines a light on our common humanity.

Photographs of refugees span across the Lefton Esplanade for the "We the People" exhibit.

The exhibit spanned the Lefton Esplanade throughout the spring showcasing large photographs of individuals who fled their home countries and now live in Northeast Ohio. The refugees featured in the display fled their home countries to avoid war, oppression and danger.